Gilberte Desmarais Obituary (1932

Gilberte Bernadette Desmarais, 93, of Biddeford, Maine, passed away peacefully in her home on February 23, 2026, surrounded by the love that she so generously gave throughout her life. Born in Biddeford on September 25, 1932, she was the daughter of Camille and Rosilda (Roberge) Lizotte. Gilberte grew up in a lively and loving home alongside her nine siblings. She attended local schools and completed her eighth-grade education with high honors. In keeping with the times and her deep devotion to family, she began working at a young age to help support the household. She was proud to work at the iconic Pepperell Mills of Biddeford, where she was a valued and dedicated employee for several years. Gilberte met Robert, the love of her life, in childhood. The two sweethearts were married on May 30, 1951, beginning a beautiful partnership that would span decades. Together they built their forever home and raised four children. It was the home Gilberte lived in throughout her life, until her very last breath; a wish her family was proudly able to help her honor. Gilberte embraced her role as homemaker wholeheartedly, creating a place that was welcoming and full of warmth. She offered childcare in her home to family and friends, touching countless lives with her kindness, patience, and boundless love. In her later years, she brought her joyful spirit to the gift shop at Funtown USA, where her laughter and bright presence delighted visitors and coworkers alike. Family was the heart of Gilberte’s world. Her home was a gathering place for celebrations filled with singing, dancing, storytelling, and costume parties. She enjoyed participating in a weekly bowling league, playing cards, and puzzle making. Storytelling was one of her many gifts; all enjoyed listening and watching her animated expressions as she reminisced. Lovingly known by many as an “Earth Angel,” Gilberte was a woman of deep and abiding faith. She found comfort in prayer, peace in listening to daily masses, and strength in offering novenas for anyone in need. She was devoted to the Catholic Church where she freely gave of her time throughout her years. Gilberte’s presence will be greatly missed, and her memory will forever live on in our hearts. Gilberte is survived by her children, Gary Desmarais and spouse Jacqueline, Gail Desmarais, Cathy Langevin and spouse William, and Betina Shakespeare and spouse William; her grandchildren, Sean Desmarais, Stephane Chailler, Mikayla Wyman, Brittney Langevin, Jade Langevin, Victoria Shakespeare, Jonathan Shakespeare, and Isabelle Shakespeare; her great-grandchildren, Layne Desmarais, Dylan Chailler, and Meganne Chailler; and her brother, Lionel Lizotte. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Robert Desmarais; her grandsons, Kyle Desmarais and Michael Langevin; her parents, Camille and Rosilda Lizotte; and her siblings, Marie Rose Lemieux, Rachel Morin, Renald Lizotte, Jeanette Paradis, Theresa Janelle, Dorothy Harrell, Rita Wilson, and Irene Gagne. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Church, 178 Elm Street, Biddeford, ME 04005, on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life reception will immediately follow (venue to be announced). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gilberte’s memory to Hospice of Southern Maine, 390 US Route One, Scarborough, ME 04074: https://www.hospiceofsouthernmaine.org